Over half the planet’s population could be overweight and obese by 2035, according to a survey by the World Obesity Federation (WOF).
If prevention, treatment and support do not improve around the globe, then four billion people will be overweight in 12 years’ time, with half that number classed as obese, reports the World Obesity Atlas. The global economic impact of obesity will reach £3.61 trillion annually.
Children will be heavily affected, with rates expected to double among boys to 208 million obese, while 175 million girls are predicted to be classed in the same bracket.
Professor Louise Baur, president of the WOF, said: “This year's Atlas is a clear warning that by failing to address obesity today, we risk serious repercussions in the future. It is particularly worrying to see obesity rates rising fastest among children and adolescents.
“Governments and policymakers around the world need to do all they can to avoid passing health, social, and economic costs on to the younger generation. That means looking urgently at the systems and root factors that contribute to obesity, and actively involving young people in the solutions. If we act together now, we have the opportunity to help billions of people in the future.”
Lower income countries are facing rapid increases in obesity prevalence. Of the 10 nations with the greatest expected increases in obesity globally (for both adults and children), nine of those are from low or lower-middle income countries – all are from either Asia or Africa.
Rachel Jackson-Leach, director of science at WOD, said: “If we do not act now, we are on course to see significant increases in obesity prevalence over the next decade. The greatest increases will be seen in low and lower-middle income countries, where scarce resources and lack of preparedness will create a perfect storm that will negatively impact people living with obesity the most.”
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The launch of the Atlas report will be marked with a high-level policy event: ‘Changing perspectives and advancing national action’ on Monday 6 March. During the event, WOF and partners will lead calls for a robust international response.
Johanna Ralston, chief executive officer of the WOF, said: “Let's be clear: the economic impact of obesity is not the fault of individuals living with the disease. It is a result of high-level failures to provide the environmental, healthcare, food, and support systems that we all need to live happy, healthy lives.
“Addressing these issues will be valuable in so many ways, to billions of people. We simply cannot afford to ignore the rising rates of obesity any longer.
“We hope that the findings of this latest Atlas will convince policymakers and civil society to take action and make tangible commitments to change in their regions.”
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